About this course
Develop advanced expertise in health data science, artificial intelligence and independent research for healthcare innovation.
The MRes Data Science & AI for Health Innovation is designed for graduates who want to develop advanced methodological, analytical and research skills within one of the fastest-growing areas of healthcare, research and digital innovation.
Introduction
Healthcare is increasingly driven by data science, artificial intelligence and digital innovation. From electronic health records and genomics to AI-assisted diagnostics and learning health systems, healthcare organisations now generate vast amounts of data with enormous potential to improve patient care, healthcare delivery and public health outcomes.
As the use of healthcare data and AI continues to expand, there is growing demand for researchers and professionals who can analyse, interpret and apply complex data responsibly, ethically and effectively.
The MRes Data Science & AI for Health Innovation combines advanced methodological training with a substantial independent research project, enabling students to develop both specialist technical expertise and strong research capability.
Students build expertise in statistics, programming, machine learning, prediction modelling and healthcare evaluation while gaining practical experience conducting independent research within a supportive and collaborative academic environment. Designed around flexibility, innovation and practical application, the programme also allows students to tailor their studies through optional modules aligned to their own research interests and career ambitions.
The programme has strong links with the Civic Health Innovation Labs (CHIL), an internationally recognised multidisciplinary research centre based at the University of Liverpool. CHIL brings together experts from academia, the NHS, local government, charities and industry to develop responsible approaches to data use and AI for health and society.
Students benefit from exposure to real-world healthcare challenges, research collaborations and emerging developments in responsible AI and healthcare innovation.
Graduates from the programme are well placed for PhD study and research-focused careers across healthcare, academia, digital health, pharmaceutical research, public health and healthcare innovation.
Why study this programme?
Develop advanced research expertise
The programme combines specialist training in statistics, programming, machine learning and AI with extensive independent research experience.
You will develop the methodological and analytical expertise needed to contribute to cutting-edge healthcare research and innovation while building strong foundations for future research or doctoral study.
Conduct a substantial independent research project
A major component of the programme is an extended supervised research project, allowing students to apply advanced analytical approaches to real-world healthcare questions.
You will work closely with experienced academic supervisors and research teams while developing valuable practical experience in designing, conducting and communicating research.
Tailor your learning to your interests
Optional modules allow students to explore specialist areas aligned to their own interests and future ambitions, including machine learning, causal inference, healthcare evaluation and statistical genetics.
This flexibility helps you to develop a distinctive methodological profile suited to a wide range of research and professional pathways.
Learn from experts working at the forefront of health innovation
You will study alongside approachable staff with expertise across statistics, health data science, artificial intelligence and healthcare research.
Teaching is enriched by collaborations with organisations including the NHS, industry and the Civic Health Innovation Labs (CHIL), helping students connect advanced methodological learning to real-world healthcare innovation.
Who is this course for?
This programme is designed for students who want to develop advanced expertise in health data science, artificial intelligence and healthcare research.
Applicants may come from backgrounds including:
- Statistics and mathematics
- Computer science and data science
- Health sciences
- Medicine and healthcare professions
- Psychology and social sciences
- Life sciences and biomedical sciences
- Pharmacy and pharmacology
- Epidemiology and public health.
The programme is ideal for applicants looking to:
- Prepare for PhD study or academic research careers
- Develop advanced methodological and analytical expertise
- Apply data science and AI approaches to healthcare challenges
- Gain practical experience conducting independent research
- Build specialist computational and statistical skills
- Contribute to responsible healthcare innovation.
Applicants with previous quantitative, analytical or research experience who wish to further develop expertise in statistics, machine learning, artificial intelligence and healthcare analytics are particularly encouraged to apply.
Specifically, this master’s programme is suitable for you if you hold a 2.2 degree from a UK university (or equivalent). Your first degree could be in any subject as this programme will train you in basic statistical and computing skills.
Our postgraduate Health Data Science portfolio also includes specialist pathways tailored to different backgrounds and career ambitions.
Applicants with previous quantitative training may be interested in the MSc Data Science & AI for Health Innovation, which provides a more advanced pathway for students wishing to further develop expertise in statistics, machine learning, artificial intelligence and healthcare analytics.
Applicants without previous quantitative training may be interested in the MSc Data Science & AI for Health Innovation (Conversion), which provides a supportive route into health data science and artificial intelligence for students from a wide range of backgrounds.
What you'll learn
The curriculum combines advanced methodological training with extensive independent research experience.
Students develop expertise in:
- Advanced statistical and computational methods for healthcare research
- Machine learning and artificial intelligence for healthcare innovation
- Responsible and ethical approaches to AI and healthcare data use
- Programming and data management for health research
- Prediction modelling and healthcare analytics
- Collecting, managing, analysing and interpreting complex healthcare data
- Critical appraisal and methodological evaluation
- Communicating analytical findings to different audiences
- Collaborative and interdisciplinary working
- Designing, conducting and disseminating independent research.